Istanbul’s historical Haydarpaşa Train Station hosted Republic Day celebrations on Oct. 27, with a concert of the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra and an exhibition displaying photos dating back to the birth of the Republic.
Hundreds of people joined the celebrations where renowned Turkish historian Professor İlber Ortaylı made a speech entitled “Education in the Turkey of Republic,” at the “Republic in Peace” event.
Ortaylı addressed the painful transformation of the historical station, which has been left to its fate since a massive fire on its roof in 2010 and its consequent restorations were canceled.
“Haydarpaşa Train Station has been on its feet for the last 100 years. However, the train station is not working, recently. So, what will happen to the station? It would not suffice to say no to the project plans for the station.
We should also have an idea of alternatives to take into account. The Selimiye Barracks and the Numune Hospital are located around the station. This area could be changed into a major culture park,” said Ortaylı.
Kadıköy Mayor Aykurt Nuhoğlu, the organizer of the event, also made a speech, saying there were efforts to take back the values gained with the Republic in the country.
“Our main objective should be to protect and carry the values of the Republic into the future,” said Nuhoğlu at the event celebrating the 92nd year of the Republic.
Following the ceremony, participants sang the anthem written for the 10th year of the Turkish Republic in 1933.
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